Revolutionising Town Planning: How AI could reshape our Planning System
Lawrence Turner
Director at Boyer | A multi-skilled planning and development consultancy | Promoting land for future development | A tailored approach to deliver strategic projects | Delivering sustainable new communities
Over the last few years, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly felt across many industries and sectors. Now, it appears that the world of town planning could soon be the latest to embrace the opportunities of AI.
The planning system in the UK is notoriously slow to change, but with the need to deliver more homes and infrastructure faster than ever, the use of AI in planning can be a game-changer. AI can not only help speed up the planning process but also improve the accuracy and efficiency of the decisions made.
One area of town planning that could benefit from AI is in predicting and measuring demand for new housing developments. AI algorithms can analyse historic data and predict future trends, helping planners to make more informed decisions about what types of developments and facilities are needed in different areas and the role the release of land from the Green Belt can play.
In addition to predicting demand, AI can also assist in the design of developments. For example, algorithms could be used to create optimal layouts for buildings and infrastructure to ensure that space is used efficiently while ensuring good design and place-making in keeping with the character of an area.
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Another way in which AI can be useful is in processing large amounts of data, such as detailed Environmental Impact Assessments. AI could help automate some of the assessment processes, leading to faster and more effective decision-making while also reducing the amount of officer resource involved in the planning system.
However, there are also concerns about the use of AI in town planning. Critics argue that the algorithms used may replicate unintended biases or that the use of automated decision-making tools could reduce the human element in the planning system.
Furthermore, AI does not replace the need for good governance and ethical decision-making. Planners still play an essential role in facilitating public engagement and developing appropriate policies in response to growth of our towns and cities.
In conclusion, the use of AI in town planning is an exciting development that could potentially revolutionise the way we plan and build our urban areas. The use of AI could lead to more efficient, accurate, and transparent decision-making, allowing us to harness the full potential of technology in our planning systems. However, the use of AI in town planning should be monitored closely to ensure that it aligns with ethical and democratic values, respects diverse perspectives, and adequately incorporates the views of residents and other stakeholders.
Well that’s AI’s view at least…
Asesor en la Subsecretaria de Gestion Urbana (Secretaria de Desarrollo Urbano)
5 个月HI Lawrence, I work for the Buenos Aires Government, here in Argentina. And we are trying to implement something of the sort here, so the city can make a quick pre approval, and then if passes, it goes through a thorough analysis. Do you know any big city who is actually using it? I would love to be in contact with any government that uses AI for planning pre approval.
Intelligent Engineering | Technology solutions | Human Centred Design | Rapid Results
9 个月Check out MyLot.ai a great business in Australia doing exactly what you describe. Perhaps ask them for something that can work for the UK?
Working with CIO's on critical business initiatives
1 年Hi Lawrence. Are there use cases where the AI is already incorporated?
And like the fact that this is from Chat GPT.
Have a look at eComply from the State Government of Victoria, Australia. https://www.land.vic.gov.au/maps-and-spatial/digital-twin-victoria/ecomply It is launching soon.